Thistle-Threads

Flame Stitch Pincushion

This Needlework Nibble project was inspired by the small pincushion inside the Martha Edlin casket . Worked in similar colors, it makes a very fast and easy on the eyes project! It is worked on 24-count rain barrel linen and backed with silk velvet

Paper Caskets for Thread Ends

Print a color-it-yourself paper casket on cardstock and have it to place your thread ends in while you stitch.

Tulip Slip

The tulip is a faithful reproduction of a 17th century slip in my own collection, applied to a piece of silk velvet and outlined with silk gimp. Slips were worked in this way and applied to hangings for beds and walls.

Bullion Snake

In 17th century caskets, girls placed small animals they made from wire wrapped with silk and then expanded gilt or silver bullion to make the toys sparkle. The snake is the beginning-level project before making animals with legs

Beaded Basket

While in boarding school working on their samplers and cabinets, girls worked a series of small projects to learn techniques. The prelude to working a large christening basket was likely this small beaded basket.

Pink Pincushion

This project was designed after a series of pincushions from the 17th century in collections of multiple museums. About 2.5"x 3.5" in size, the pincushion is more decorative than functional with its rich metal threads.